Bren Harrison

Bren Harrison is an Exercise Physiologist & Biomechanist teaching courses at the University of Bridgeport. She holds a BS in Exercise & Health Science from Kennesaw State University, an MS in Human Performance from Southern Connecticut State University, & a DHSc from the University of Bridgeport.

In 2014, Bren became an adjunct faculty member in the Health Sciences Department at the University of Bridgeport before joining as a full-time faculty member in 2019. She teaches a wide variety of courses including Introduction to Exercise Science, Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Strength & Conditioning, Fitness Assessment, Fitness Program Planning & Development, Grant Proposal Writing, & Health Sciences Research.

Bren's focus is on education & creating performance programs for athletes with an emphasis on watersport athletes. Her research interests center on gait analysis, upper body biomechanics in elite SUP athletes, & endurance exercise performance in extreme & wilderness athletes. Specifically, she chooses to study rock climbers, surfers, adventure racers, mountain bikers, & kayakers.

Her professional awards include the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and she was the recipient of the J. Philip Smith Award for outstanding teaching & service. She is also an active member of the American College of Sports Medicine & the New England American College of Sports Medicine

Bren is originally from Georgia. She worked in another field prior to pursuing her first degree as an adult non-traditional, first-generation, student in 2003. Bren moved to Connecticut in 2007 after graduating from KSU to pursue her MS at SCSU. She currently lives in Cheshire with her partner Deb, her beautiful 15-year-old twins, Tristan & Avery, their British shorthairs Zephy & Loki, their Pembroke Welsh Corgis Fitz & Josie, & their Labrador Retriever, Bru. Bru is a certified therapy dog who visits the UB campus during finals week.

In her spare time, Bren is an avid athlete who enjoys marathon running, MMA, cycling, yoga, pilates, & boxing. She also travels to Assateague Island to surf and enjoys “beach therapy”. Bren loves to balance her teaching with her own learning & with quality fun time.